Dental Crowns
What are dental crowns?
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A dental crown is a custom-made restoration designed to fit securely over the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth, effectively acting as a “cap.” This is similar to how a cap fits over your head, or how a thimble fits over your finger. Once placed, a crown restores the tooth’s natural shape, strength, and aesthetic appearance, providing long-lasting protection and functionality.
A Comprehensive Guide to Rebuilding, Preserving, and Replacing Teeth with Versatile Crowns
At OraSmiles, we are proud to serve patients of all ages, from children to grandparents. Dr. Shirali Shah and our dedicated team in Bolingbrook, Illinois, have successfully treated countless individuals with dental crowns, helping restore and preserve smiles across generations.
How are crowns made and placed?
Crowns are fabricated from durable dental materials that are specifically shaped to replace the compromised portion of a tooth. To begin, the tooth is carefully prepared by removing any decayed or weakened areas. Once the crown is created, it is placed over the remaining healthy tooth structure. This process allows for a fresh start for the tooth, and the crown is securely fixed in place using advanced bonding techniques to ensure stability and durability.
What materials are used to make crowns?
Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, and combinations of both. At OraSmiles, we prioritize both aesthetics and durability, selecting only the highest-quality materials. Dr. Shirali Shah’s preferred material for crowns is dental porcelain, which combines strength with a natural, lifelike appearance.
When would you recommend a crown?
Crowns are versatile restorations used in many scenarios, including:
- Repairing fractured or cracked teeth
- Restoring broken or weakened teeth
- Strengthening teeth that are chipped or vulnerable
- Replacing large fillings that may be at risk of future damage
- Restoring teeth after root canal therapy
- Treating teeth with significant decay that cannot be treated with fillings alone
- Improving the appearance of severely misshapen or worn teeth
Why is porcelain a good choice for my dental crown?
Porcelain is renowned for its ability to mimic the appearance of natural tooth enamel, offering a highly aesthetic restoration. It is also remarkably strong, capable of withstanding the pressures of chewing and grinding just like natural teeth. With porcelain crowns, you get the best of both worlds: a beautiful, natural-looking smile that also offers excellent durability.
How do crowns replace missing teeth?
Dr. Shah uses crowns as part of dental bridges and implants to replace missing teeth. For bridges, crowns are placed on the neighboring teeth to anchor the replacement tooth, effectively filling the gap. In implant procedures, crowns are placed atop securely embedded implants in the jaw, completing the restoration by replicating the visible portion of the tooth. These solutions provide stable, long-term replacements that function just like natural teeth.
If you are concerned about a damaged tooth or need an exam, contact OraSmiles today. Our team in Bolingbrook is here to help our neighbors in Plainfield, Naperville, and Aurora restore their smiles’ comfort, health, and beauty. Call (630) 489-6323 to schedule your appointment.